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FORD BRONCO FANS CREATE PETITION TO EXPAND MANUAL TRANSMISSION TO MORE TRIMS

The Stick Is Currently Only Available With The Small Engine, Sans The Sasquatch Package

2021 Ford Bronco Badge Off-Road SUV Bronco Production
Image Via Ford.

There is no question that the reborn 2021 Ford Bronco is a vehicle aimed at enthusiasts. The presence of an all-new seven speed manual transmission in the powertrain lineup is a huge nod to this fact. However, buyers who’d like to row their own gears on the trails are currently unable to option some major performance upgrades. This disappointing reality has left some fans and buyers to come together and start an online petition.

The petition, which you can find at this Change.org page, is asking Ford to offer the seven-speed manual transmission across the entire new Bronco lineup. As it stands right now, the manual gearbox is only available with the smaller four-cylinder engine. Furthermore, even four-cylinder Bronco buyers can be forced to give up their third pedal if they’d like to option the Sasquatch package. Considering the package brings a tremendous amount of upgraded hardware to the 4×4, this choice will certainly lead to less manual-equipped SUVs being purchased.

Image Via Ford.

At the time of this article’s publication, the petition has garnered just under 4,000 signatures. Not a huge number by any means, especially when compared to the number of people who have slapped down a deposit for the Ford Bronco already. However, the petition highlights a potential mis-step by Ford on this one.

Ford went through the trouble of developing a manual transmission to put in the Bronco, yet they aren’t doing much to make it an attractive option. That’s a real shame, as the manual transmission in the Jeep Wrangler has always enjoyed a higher take-rate than the industry standard. Perhaps then buyers who are adamant about having total control out on the trials will be forced to head back to Jeep dealerships. That said, Ford has been clear that they will be taking feedback from potential buyers seriously as the Bronco’s December ordering date approaches.

Image Via Ford.

Written by Lucas Bell

Lucas holds a journalism degree from Wayne State University, and is a Automotive Press Association scholarship recipient. While an American muscle fan through and through, he once wrote a fascinating comparison review about eScooters.

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